The Holmesburg Civic Association last week listened to a presentation from city officials and architects about Riverview Wellness Village, a recovery housing program for substance abusers at 7801 State Road.
Officials will be back at next month’s meeting for a formal zoning presentation. Support from the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be a slam dunk, as there is no way the mayoral-appointed board will vote against one of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s top priorities.
The wellness village has been operating since January, and a community advisory council meets monthly. A modest community benefits agreement is in the works.
There are almost 90 people living on site, with capacity at 234.
Now, the city plans to build a multi-level building on site for expansion of the program.
The project will require the removal of 13 trees, though they will be replaced by 175 new trees. The site will include 24/7 staffing, fencing, security, lighting, chairs, tables, benches, public art, a courtyard, gym equipment and basketball and bocce courts. There will be 152 two-bedroom units.
Isabel McDevitt, the city’s executive director of community wellness and recovery, said the program is for people who have already had initial treatment. She said the program focuses on recovery services offered by Merakey and Gaudenzia, health care and workforce development. Residents will live on site for up to a year and have access to a primary care clinic that provides immunizations, screenings and treatment for issues such as diabetes and hypertension.
Residents also are subject to random, frequent drug tests.
Anyone with questions on the wellness village can email [email protected].
• The civic voted 9-2 to not oppose legalization of a food truck on a commercial property at 8030 Frankford Ave. The truck is already open despite needing a variance. In fact, it was open while the meeting was taking place.
• Laura Cassidy, Director of Sustainability for the city Department of Prisons, addressed the group about a decade-long compost program that takes place next to Holmesburg Prison. The program processes food waste from the prison, and Cassidy said there are no issues with odor or rodents. Some of the compost is donated to New Foundations Charter School for its garden.
• The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected].
• State Rep. Pat Gallagher will hold a shredding and e-recycling event on Saturday, May 31, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Linden Avenue boat launch, at Linden Avenue and the Delaware River.
• Holmesburg Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, June 10, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center. ••
